Family: The Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel) belongs to the swallow family Hirundinidae in the genus Petrochelidon.
Habitat: Fairy Martins are the most communal swallows in Australia. Their flocks range anywhere from a dozen to several hundred, whether they’re nesting or foraging on migration. The birds nest in their nests or on ledges under banks, bridges, and overhangs, often grabbing vertical surfaces; they rest there and on small twigs in the open.
There is almost constant movement at the colony during the day: pairs come and go as they feed their young and relieve one another during incubation and brooding. As one bird, then another, and another joins in the twittering throughout the day, the sound increases until the first birds leave to feed at daybreak. The nest may be constructed or repaired by several birds working persistently until it is completely built when disputes over occupancy often arise.
Sparrows, pardalotes, and Zebra Finches are also known to usurp nests. There are few Fairy Martins that rear more than one brood in a season. Even though breeding may take several months, it appears that the first nesters vacate their nests if successful, leaving them for others to occupy. Colonies may have fluctuating memberships. Despite this, the core of each colony returns to the same breeding site every year, at least in eastern Australia.
Migration: The fairy martin is partially migratory. Birds in the west seem to be local rather than seasonal nomads. While in the east, they migrate north in autumn, reaching Arnhem Land and the Cape York Peninsula, and return south to breed in spring; few groups remain in the southeast south of Sydney.
Identification: Both sexes are similar. The head is rust-colored. The back and scapulars were glossy blue-black; the rump was white. Wings and a square tail are dusky. Underparts are white streaked with grey on the throat and russet on the sides. Eyes are dark brown. The bill and feet are black. The immature bird lacks a dorsal gloss.
Diet: While feeding, they weave about, flutter lightly, glide, bank, and circle effortlessly. Through open woodland glades, paddocks, and particularly open swamps, rivers, and streams, they hunt for small flying insects. During low-skimming flights over water, they sometimes dip their bills in the water to drink or catch insects.
Nest & Breed: Nesting and breeding occur in spring and early summer, August-January, or, in the far north, May-March. Nest in massed colonies, roughly boule- or pear-shaped, with an entrance tunnel 250 mm long, usually sloping downwards from the nesting chamber, 150-200 mm in diameter. The nest is built of mud pellets and lined with fine grass and feathers. It is found in caves, rock overhangs, cliffs, culverts, bridges, creek banks, and old buildings.
This is often near or above water. Nest in colonies. Moreover, breeding colonies range north to the southern Kimberley and southern Arnhem Land. In breeding colonies, the birds build rows of close-packed, retort-shaped nests of mud that may run to hundreds under overhangs of any kind; this position allows the birds to fly straight into their nest entrances to land and take off by simply falling into the air.
Eggs & Incubation: Fairy Martin lays 4 to 5 eggs, which are dull white, often faintly speckled with rust-brown or rufous, generally at the larger end; oval, about 17 x 12 mm. The incubation period is about 15 days for both the sexes.
Distribution: Fairy Martin is found throughout mainland Australia, mainly in open areas; with vagrants to Tasmania and New Guinea. Nomadic and partly migratory, breeding north to 14°S.
Races: There are no races.
Alternative Names: It is also known as Boule Swallow and Cliff Swallow.
Size: Fairy Martin is 115-120 mm long.
Vocalizations: It makes sweet high-pitched churrs and twiuers.
Read More – Tree Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans)
